A faulty gene behind one of the world's most common causes of blindness has been identified offering hope for new ways of treating and preventing the disease.

Scientists screened almost 1,000 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and found a significant link with a mutated version of the protein known as LIPC.

The gene also regulates good cholesterol - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) - which helps prevent heart disease and stroke by reducing the risk of clogged arteries.

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RIYADH — The Ministry of Health has clarified that the Araqa Hospital, which was established as a private hospital several years ago but did not become operational, is not affiliated to the ministry.

The clarification came in response to comments posted on Internet sites accusing the ministry of neglecting the health care facility.

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RIYADH - A Saudi student returning from the United States has been diagnosed with swine flu, becoming the second case of the disease in the Kingdom, the Ministry of Health said Sunday.

 

The man flew from Washington to Jeddah and then on to Dammam in the Eastern Province on Sunday, said Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al-Rabeah.

 

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Warm Weather Means Early Start for Tick Season; Expert Advice on Protecting Yourself and Your Pet

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Scientists have Found Evidence that Prescribing a "Chemical Cosh" Drugs to Dementia Patients can Double their Risk of Early Death.

Antipsychotics are widely used in care homes and hospitals, but critics argue they are often given to sedate patients to make them easier to look after rather than for any medical benefit.

Guidelines say they should only be used as a last resort and over a short period of time, but in some cases patients have been prescribed them for years.

Now American researchers have found one in particular, called haloperidol, seems particularly dangerous.

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Treating Prehypertension With Medication May Lower Stroke Risk

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US drug regulators have rescinded approval of a breast cancer drug, saying it is not effective enough to justify the risks of taking it.

The drug, Avastin, was approved for US use in 2008, but UK officials have also rejected claims that it prolongs life.

Further research showed it did not help patients live longer or improve quality of life, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Margaret Hamburg said.

Avastin will still be used to treat other kinds of cancer.

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Study: Mom's Exposure During Pregnancy Raises Kids' Asthma Risk

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The potential risks smoking and drinking pose to people with rheumatoid arthritis.

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Dramatic Drop in Precancerous Cervical Lesions Seen in Australian Teens

Health officials in Australia are reporting what may prove to be the first evidence that the vaccine targeting the human papillomavirus (HPV) could prevent cervical cancer in a large population.

The incidence of lesions that lead to cervical cancer dropped dramatically among Australian teen girls after a nationwide, school-based HPV vaccination program was implemented in that country.

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