Surgery Best for Narrowing of Spine

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- The largest study of its kind concludes that surgery is better than nonsurgical treatments for spinal stenosis, a painful narrowing of the spine that stems from the normal deterioration that accompanies aging.

  More Evidence of Danger From Heart Surgery Drug

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 HealthDay News) -- Two new studies confirm an increased incidence of death and kidney damage among people given Trasylol (aprotinin), a drug used to reduce bleeding during coronary artery bypass surgeries.

  Researchers Make Stem Cells That Secrete Insulin

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have found a way to convert human embryonic stem (ES) cells into cells that release insulin in response to glucose and ease a diabetes-like condition in mice, a new study says.

  Cutting Back on Salt Cuts Down on Sodas With Kids

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Reducing children's salt intake may lower their consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks and reduce their risk of obesity, high blood pressure and other health problems later in life, British researchers say.

  In-Hospital Stroke Deaths Rise on Nights, Weekends

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- The time of day and day of week a person has a stroke could mean the difference between life and death.

  Mammograms Might Spot Stroke Risk

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- In addition to detecting breast cancer in its early stages, new research suggests that mammograms may also help predict which women are at risk for strokes.

  DNA Findings Reveal Genetic History of Humans

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Scientists have compiled a mass of detailed DNA information that could help reconstruct the genetic history of humans.

  Cognitive Impairment Declining in Older Adults

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Memory loss and thinking problems are becoming less common among older Americans, possibly due to better education, personal wealth and cardiovascular care, a new study suggests.

  Clinical Trials Update: Feb. 20, 2008

(HealthDay News) -- Here are the latest clinical trials, courtesy of Thomson CenterWatch :

  Health Highlights: Feb. 20, 2008

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by editors of HealthDay:

  Music Therapy Improves Stroke Outcomes

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Listening to music for a few hours a day can help boost a stroke patient's early recovery, according to Finnish researchers.

  Middle-Aged Women Gaining Weight, Raising Their Stroke Risk

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Middle-aged American women are gaining weight, especially around the waist, while their risk of stroke has increased significantly, a new study finds.

  Cancer Death Rates Still Declining

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Good news continues to come forth from the cancer front: U.S. death rates from the disease have declined by 18.4 percent among men and by 10.5 percent among women since mortality rates first started going down in the early 1990s.

  Stem Cells Repair Stroke Damage in Rats

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 20 (HealthDay News) -- Human stem cells helped repair stroke-related brain damage in rats, Stanford University researchers report.

  Health Tip: Is GERD Causing Sleep Problems?

(HealthDay News) - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause symptoms during the night that can prevent a good night's sleep.

  Health Tip: Prevent Antibiotic Overuse

(HealthDay News) - Antibiotics are meant to treat bacterial infections, but they aren't effective against viruses such as those that cause the common cold.