A few items from round and about:
- Überblog BoingBoing reports that the “non-dairy” smoothie additive used by popular chain Jamba Juice in fact contains non-fat dried milk. Something to keep in mind if you have food restrictions in your family.
- Scientists at the University of Toronto are are using a combination of ultrasound and blood tests to screen women with high-risk pregnancies for placental damage. The tests are done at 16 to 23 weeks gestation, early enough to take action if needed, and are among the first to look at placenta health. No word yet on whether these tests will become widespread.
- Conflicting guidelines have come out recently about breast cancer screening. The American College of Physicians, the largest medical specialty group in the U.S., has said the risks of traditional mammograms may outweigh the benefits for many women in their 40’s. Their new guidelines urge women in their 40s to consult with their doctors about whether to have breast X-rays. The American Cancer Society, however, just issued new guidelines recommending an annual M.R.I. scan (not the same as a mammogram) starting at age 30 for women at high risk for breast cancer. Yes, the ACS advice is targeting the high-risk cases, but as the New York Times points out, not all women know their risk levels. There may also not be enough qualified facilities to handle an upsurge in M.R.I. screenings. Worth reading the whole article for the various pros and cons. The only thing that seems clear is that we need to continue funding research on breast cancer (among other major diseases) to get a better grip on prevention, detection, and cure.
- A team led by scientists at the University of Copenhagen has discovered a technique that could enable blood from groups A, B and AB to be converted into group O negative. O-negative blood can be transplanted into any patient. The new method thus has the potential to reduce blood shortages, athough clinical trials are still needed. This isn’t news specific to women or children, but as a preemie infant, I needed a blood transfusion and would not be here today but for the kindness of some unknown blood donor. Stories of blood donations and supply thus always bring parents and babies to mind for me, although I know they have much broader importance.
