This week's top health stories

Gardasil for boys and girls

PM - 18/11/2008
For the first time, clinical trials have found that Gardasil, the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, is effective for boys and men. The results showed the vaccination prevented papillomavirus-related genital warts in 90 per cent of the men in the study.

Silk the key to rebuilding bone

Science Online - 18/11/2008
Silkworms and spiders could hold the key to engineering healthy bone tissue to replace damaged bone and teeth, according to a US biomedical engineer.

Tropical fish hold secret to degenerative disease

AM - 18/11/2008
Zebrafish and their unique transparent embryo have caught the interest of scientists who think they could hold the key to treating degenerative diseases. Scientists will investigate the reasons why at Melbourne's Monash University, which opens the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute at Clayton today.

Heat stroke? Forget the ice, says study

Science Online - 17/11/2008
When it comes to cooling a heat stroke victim , forget the ice and immerse them in temperate water, new research suggests.

Water and alcohol don't mix

AM - 15/11/2008
With seasonal temperatures rising, beachgoers, river-swimmers and pool-splashers are being urged to rethink even one drink before cooling off in the water.

Alcohol abuse still a problem in NT

AM - 15/11/2008
The latest statistics show that alcohol abuse is still a crippling problem in the Northern Territory. According to the figures every Territorian, on average, consumes the equivalent of over 1,000 full-strength beers each year.

UN findings highlight Pacific health issues

AM - 15/11/2008
The number of women in Pacific countries dying in pregnancy and childbirth has jumped dramatically, while separate findings this week have also warned of continuing dire conditions for many children in the region. The findings come from two United Nations agencies and have prompted the Rudd Government to commit to making maternal health issues a priority.

Bone marrow transplant cures HIV in cancer patient

AM - 14/11/2008
Doctors in Berlin have found a bone marrow transplant they used for a patient with leukaemia also cured him of the HIV virus. But other scientists are warning that the cure only worked because the donor was both compatible and carrying an extremely rare double HIV resistant mutation in his genes.

Lung disease costing Australia billions

7.30 Report - 13/11/2008
A report by Access Economics shows more than two million Australians are suffering from lung disease. According to the report, this year alone lung disease will cost the country $9 billion in treatment and lost productivity.

Human hair linked to ancient claws

Science Online - 13/11/2008
A new study has identified a gene associated with hair production in present-day lizards and chickens, which may trace its origins back more than 300 million years ago.