Skin - the key to medical cures?

By Jane Elliott
Health reporter, BBC News
Skin is the body's largest organ.

It already can be harvested to provide extra skin for burns victims and to grow cells that form cartilage and muscle.

But as scientists delve deeper into its layers, it is becoming clear that the skin might in the future hold the key to curing a range of conditions, from cancer to spinal cord repair.

The potential of skin stem cells 'is enormous'

And there are great hopes for skin stem cells.

“The skin contains a number of different types of stem cells - it is a very interesting and accessible source of cells to restore tissue”

End Quote Professor Fiona Watt

This week a team at Oxford University announced that specially manipulated skin cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, can be used to generate the brain nerve cells that die in Parkinson's.

New uses

Sheila MacNeil, professor of tissue engineering at Sheffield University, said stem cell research is advancing so rapidly that it will soon be used in more applications.

"There is the potential to take a biopsy of skin from a patient with disease, culture the cells, alter them to make them grow into tissues you are interested in and also use them to study the basis of the genetic disease and then to design therapies that you can put back into the patient.

"We could be there in five years time for diseases which are well understood - like Parkinson's, and for other diseases where they are less well understood, 10 years."

She said that the 'clever thing' with the adult stem cells is that they are less likely to be rejected as they are from the donor's own body, unlike stem cells from embryos.

The skin

• Your skin is your largest organ
• It covers your entire body and has a surface area of around two square metres.
• Its thickness varies from 0.5mm on your eyelids to 4mm or more on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet
• It accounts for around 16% of your body weight

Although they can be harvested from across the body, the skin stem cells are easily accessible.

Professor Fiona Watt, from Cambridge University, pointed out that grafts formed by stem cells are already used to treat severe burns in patients.

"Some people forget that it is a stem cell treatment that works and which has been around a long time," she said.

"We are very interested in developing regenerative medicine as a way to heal our bodies when they can't heal themselves - when the damage from an injury or disease is too severe."

She added: "The skin contains a number of different types of stem cells - it is a very interesting and accessible source of cells to restore tissue.

"People have woken up to the idea that the skin has cells that can be turned into nerve cells and this could be a way to expand nerve cells to treat spinal cord injuries."

Professor Watt's work shows how single stem cells can be encouraged to grow in the lab on finely-patterned surfaces in order to identify the biological messages that control their ability to divide and mature into any type of cell.

Using this approach, Professor Watt's team at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, are uncovering the biology of adult skin stem cells. The methodology can also be applied to a wide range of embryonic and adult stem cells.

"I believe that the full therapeutic potential of skin stem cells is only just being appreciated," she said.

Skin Problems

Skin - the key to medical cures?

By Jane Elliott
Health reporter, BBC News
Skin is the body's largest organ.

It already can be harvested to provide extra skin for burns victims and to grow cells that form cartilage and muscle.

But as scientists delve deeper into its layers, it is becoming clear that the skin might in the future hold the key to curing a range of conditions, from cancer to spinal cord repair.

The potential of skin stem cells 'is enormous'

And there are great hopes for skin stem cells.

“The skin contains a number of different types of stem cells - it is a very interesting and accessible source of cells to restore tissue”

End Quote Professor Fiona Watt

This week a team at Oxford University announced that specially manipulated skin cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, can be used to generate the brain nerve cells that die in Parkinson's.

New uses

Sheila MacNeil, professor of tissue engineering at Sheffield University, said stem cell research is advancing so rapidly that it will soon be used in more applications.

"There is the potential to take a biopsy of skin from a patient with disease, culture the cells, alter them to make them grow into tissues you are interested in and also use them to study the basis of the genetic disease and then to design therapies that you can put back into the patient.

"We could be there in five years time for diseases which are well understood - like Parkinson's, and for other diseases where they are less well understood, 10 years."

She said that the 'clever thing' with the adult stem cells is that they are less likely to be rejected as they are from the donor's own body, unlike stem cells from embryos.

The skin

• Your skin is your largest organ
• It covers your entire body and has a surface area of around two square metres.
• Its thickness varies from 0.5mm on your eyelids to 4mm or more on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet
• It accounts for around 16% of your body weight

Although they can be harvested from across the body, the skin stem cells are easily accessible.

Professor Fiona Watt, from Cambridge University, pointed out that grafts formed by stem cells are already used to treat severe burns in patients.

"Some people forget that it is a stem cell treatment that works and which has been around a long time," she said.

"We are very interested in developing regenerative medicine as a way to heal our bodies when they can't heal themselves - when the damage from an injury or disease is too severe."

She added: "The skin contains a number of different types of stem cells - it is a very interesting and accessible source of cells to restore tissue.

"People have woken up to the idea that the skin has cells that can be turned into nerve cells and this could be a way to expand nerve cells to treat spinal cord injuries."

Professor Watt's work shows how single stem cells can be encouraged to grow in the lab on finely-patterned surfaces in order to identify the biological messages that control their ability to divide and mature into any type of cell.

Using this approach, Professor Watt's team at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Stem Cell Research, University of Cambridge, are uncovering the biology of adult skin stem cells. The methodology can also be applied to a wide range of embryonic and adult stem cells.

"I believe that the full therapeutic potential of skin stem cells is only just being appreciated," she said.

Skin Problems

Zinc can be an 'effective treatment' for common colds

By Michelle Roberts
Health reporter, BBC News
Taking zinc syrup, tablets or lozenges can lessen the severity and duration of the common cold, experts believe.

A review of the available scientific evidence suggests taking zinc within a day of the onset of cold symptoms speeds recovery.

Common cold viruses are spread by sneezes

It may also help ward off colds, say the authors of the Cochrane Systematic Review that included data from 15 trials involving 1,360 people.

But they say zinc cannot be used long-term because of toxicity concerns.

Excessive amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Now more work is needed to determine the exact dosing required, say the experts.

Cold viruses

Adults catch between two to four colds a year and children up to 10 a year.

There is little a person can do to avoid these infections because the viruses responsible are so commonplace.

“This review strengthens the evidence for zinc as a treatment for the common cold”

End Quote The review authors

Cold viruses can be passed from person to person not only by coughs and sneezes but also by touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles.

There is no proven treatment for the common cold, but experts believe zinc medications may help prevent and lessen infections by coating the common cold viruses and stopping them from entering the body through the thin lining of the nose.

It also appears to stop the virus from replicating, at least in laboratory tests.

There is also the suggestion that zinc aids the immune system and may dampen down some of the unpleasant reactions the body has to an invading virus.

Speedy recovery

Lead researcher Meenu Singh, of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, said: "This review strengthens the evidence for zinc as a treatment for the common cold.

"However, at the moment, it is still difficult to make a general recommendation, because we do not know very much about the optimum dose, formulation or length of treatment."

According to trial results, zinc syrup, lozenges or tablets taken within a day of the onset of cold symptoms reduce the severity and length of illness.

At seven days, more of the patients who took zinc remedies every couple of hours during the daytime had cleared their symptoms compared to those who took placebos.

And children who took 15mg of zinc syrup or zinc lozenges daily for five months or longer caught fewer colds and took less time off school.

But the 15 trials in the review all used different treatment timescales and doses, making it impossible to reach a consensus.

And the people who used zinc also reported more side effects, such as an unpleasant aftertaste or nausea, than the placebo group.

Editor in Chief of the Cochrane Library, David Tovey, said: "This is a treatment that is showing some promise which, where treating the common cold is concerned, is unusual.

"Although there are many over-the-counter cold remedies already available, we are not awash with things that can stop cold symptoms or greatly reduce their severity.

"But there is still uncertainty about the best doses, timings and formulations and more studies will be needed to look at this."

Professor Ronald Eccles, Director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, remained doubtful about zinc's benefits as a cold treatment in current formulations.

He said zinc's toxicity would also be a potential concern if taken over longer periods.

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Formula Gives Lasting Relief from Cold & Flu

Zinc can be an 'effective treatment' for common colds

By Michelle Roberts
Health reporter, BBC News
Taking zinc syrup, tablets or lozenges can lessen the severity and duration of the common cold, experts believe.

A review of the available scientific evidence suggests taking zinc within a day of the onset of cold symptoms speeds recovery.

Common cold viruses are spread by sneezes

It may also help ward off colds, say the authors of the Cochrane Systematic Review that included data from 15 trials involving 1,360 people.

But they say zinc cannot be used long-term because of toxicity concerns.

Excessive amounts can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Now more work is needed to determine the exact dosing required, say the experts.

Cold viruses

Adults catch between two to four colds a year and children up to 10 a year.

There is little a person can do to avoid these infections because the viruses responsible are so commonplace.

“This review strengthens the evidence for zinc as a treatment for the common cold”

End Quote The review authors

Cold viruses can be passed from person to person not only by coughs and sneezes but also by touching contaminated surfaces such as door handles.

There is no proven treatment for the common cold, but experts believe zinc medications may help prevent and lessen infections by coating the common cold viruses and stopping them from entering the body through the thin lining of the nose.

It also appears to stop the virus from replicating, at least in laboratory tests.

There is also the suggestion that zinc aids the immune system and may dampen down some of the unpleasant reactions the body has to an invading virus.

Speedy recovery

Lead researcher Meenu Singh, of the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, said: "This review strengthens the evidence for zinc as a treatment for the common cold.

"However, at the moment, it is still difficult to make a general recommendation, because we do not know very much about the optimum dose, formulation or length of treatment."

According to trial results, zinc syrup, lozenges or tablets taken within a day of the onset of cold symptoms reduce the severity and length of illness.

At seven days, more of the patients who took zinc remedies every couple of hours during the daytime had cleared their symptoms compared to those who took placebos.

And children who took 15mg of zinc syrup or zinc lozenges daily for five months or longer caught fewer colds and took less time off school.

But the 15 trials in the review all used different treatment timescales and doses, making it impossible to reach a consensus.

And the people who used zinc also reported more side effects, such as an unpleasant aftertaste or nausea, than the placebo group.

Editor in Chief of the Cochrane Library, David Tovey, said: "This is a treatment that is showing some promise which, where treating the common cold is concerned, is unusual.

"Although there are many over-the-counter cold remedies already available, we are not awash with things that can stop cold symptoms or greatly reduce their severity.

"But there is still uncertainty about the best doses, timings and formulations and more studies will be needed to look at this."

Professor Ronald Eccles, Director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University, remained doubtful about zinc's benefits as a cold treatment in current formulations.

He said zinc's toxicity would also be a potential concern if taken over longer periods.

We're having some problems displaying the comments at the moment. Sorry. We're doing our best to fix it.

Formula Gives Lasting Relief from Cold & Flu

Male Weight Loss Transformations

Check out this page, which has four inspiring stories of men losing weight. Here's an exerpt from Calle's story, he lost 136 pounds and was asked;

If someone reading this has repeatedly tried and failed to change their life for the better and they are considering giving up do you have any words of encouragement for them ?

I can only speak from my experience, I was a healthy morbidly obese person, but for how long? I used to hate pictures of myself, I was really mad when i looked myself in the mirror.

I´ve been alone for years, no girlfriend and not going out because i was ashamed of myself. If you identify with these things, well, you need to change. The best feeling in the world is when people see you on the street and make this big amazing surprised face because you are looking younger, great and healthier. Another great feeling is to fit in normal size modern clothes.

Are you demotivated? Find the reason! Take a picture of yourself every month so you will see the changes and be motivated every time. Know that you are eating to keep your body healthy and fine. Just think in long term, your body will thank you for that.

When you reach your goal, you will feel powerful, invincible, that you can achieve whatever you want in life. Let me tell you that this feeling leaves you speechless and so happy every second of your life. It will worth the fight and the sacrifices, just keep doing it and results will come.

Divorced Man Gets in Shape

Thanks much to Eli who sent in this inspiring weight loss story:

In March of 2008 I had been married for almost 18 years. For the last 5 or 6 years of my marriage, I had gained weight exponentially each year. Not only was I obese (6'1/2" 280 lbs), but I was also a heavy smoker. When I got separated from my ex-wife close to 3 years ago, I had an epiphany. I looked at myself in the mirror and couldn't believe what I was looking at. How had I allowed myself to get like that? I wanted to live a longer life for my 3 children and I wanted to be happy with myself again. These things made me take the first step into my journey of weight loss which has now become a passion for fitness.

I had yo-yo dieted for many years and tried many of the fad diets. I was "successful" in losing weight those times, but I never kept it off because I was not making a lifestyle change.. The most important change that has lead to my success is knowing to take things one day at a time. When I started on my quest, I did not join a gym and I did not exert myself enough. What I did was ask myself, "What am I willing to do NOW which will help me continue to do it for the rest of my life?" My answer then was to walk for 15 minutes each night and I made small adjustments to my horrendous eating habits. Today, I can run up to 10 miles at a 10 minute per mile pace. I also weight train 5 days per week and my bad eating moments are most people's best eating habits! I am proud to say that today I have a body fat percentage of 12%!

As soon as I started to see the weight coming off, I was motivated to continue on this path. The most challenging thing for me was changing my bad eating habits. I saw results right away. I started to lose weight after the first week and it never stopped from there.

My life has changed in many ways! I am healthier physically, mentally and emotionally. My self esteem although never low, is at an all time high. I have been the inspiration of many to start their own quest of a healthy lifestyle change and I have finally found a real life passion!

Family planning push for nations

By Jane Dreaper
Health correspondent, BBC News
A UK government drive aims to increase access to contraception and safe abortion in developing countries.

International development secretary Andrew Mitchell is now launching a consultation on the issue.

The department's programme budget is ring-fenced from cuts - but Mr Mitchell said it therefore had a "double duty" to demonstrate value for money.

DfID says longer-acting contraceptives might be a better option than The Pill

He says he has identified "sub-optimal" spending worth £178m by the Department for International Development (DfID).

Every year there are an estimated 75m unplanned pregnancies around the world.

“We have a golden opportunity within our grasp if not to eradicate these maternal-related deaths, then to reduce them significantly”

End Quote Andrew Mitchell International development secretary

DfID wants to see women having easier access to long-acting contraception - such as implants and injections.

Botched or illegal abortions are thought to result in 70,000 deaths a year in developing countries.

A Millennium Development Goal aims to address these problems, but the target has seemed unlikely to be met.

Mr Mitchell said: "I'm not entering the ring at all on whether one should be for or against abortion.

"The focus of my attention is the fact that thousands of women die every year from unsafe abortions. I want to bring that figure down sharply.

"We have a golden opportunity within our grasp if not to eradicate these maternal-related deaths, then to reduce them significantly."

DfID offices within developing countries and other experts are being asked to contribute ideas within the next 12 weeks.

Officials have been told to put a new emphasis on delivering results and monitoring data, as opposed to simply making announcements about spending allocations.

Mr Mitchell said: "I've identified £178m of spending which wasn't performing properly.

"Money was being spent on a Brazilian dance group, specialising in percussion, which was based in north London.

"DfID is still facing a cut of a third in its administrative budget. So I'm letting out two floors of the department.

"This is a brilliant department which attracts very able and committed people.

"The lights are burning late here as we make a series of changes to the way in which we do development."

The shadow minister for International Development ,Gareth Thomas, said Mr Mitchell needed "to explain how this fits within the wider agenda on child health - especially given that the majority of child deaths under the age of five tragically occur after the first month of life, a period which does not appear to be addressed by this consultation.

"After the dismal performance of the G8 earlier this year in Canada, when David Cameron signed up to a package which Oxfam described as 'lower than our lowest expectations', he also needs to tell us how he will actually convince other countries to step up to the mark at a critical UN Summit this September."

Men's Health

Family planning push for nations

By Jane Dreaper
Health correspondent, BBC News
A UK government drive aims to increase access to contraception and safe abortion in developing countries.

International development secretary Andrew Mitchell is now launching a consultation on the issue.

The department's programme budget is ring-fenced from cuts - but Mr Mitchell said it therefore had a "double duty" to demonstrate value for money.

DfID says longer-acting contraceptives might be a better option than The Pill

He says he has identified "sub-optimal" spending worth £178m by the Department for International Development (DfID).

Every year there are an estimated 75m unplanned pregnancies around the world.

“We have a golden opportunity within our grasp if not to eradicate these maternal-related deaths, then to reduce them significantly”

End Quote Andrew Mitchell International development secretary

DfID wants to see women having easier access to long-acting contraception - such as implants and injections.

Botched or illegal abortions are thought to result in 70,000 deaths a year in developing countries.

A Millennium Development Goal aims to address these problems, but the target has seemed unlikely to be met.

Mr Mitchell said: "I'm not entering the ring at all on whether one should be for or against abortion.

"The focus of my attention is the fact that thousands of women die every year from unsafe abortions. I want to bring that figure down sharply.

"We have a golden opportunity within our grasp if not to eradicate these maternal-related deaths, then to reduce them significantly."

DfID offices within developing countries and other experts are being asked to contribute ideas within the next 12 weeks.

Officials have been told to put a new emphasis on delivering results and monitoring data, as opposed to simply making announcements about spending allocations.

Mr Mitchell said: "I've identified £178m of spending which wasn't performing properly.

"Money was being spent on a Brazilian dance group, specialising in percussion, which was based in north London.

"DfID is still facing a cut of a third in its administrative budget. So I'm letting out two floors of the department.

"This is a brilliant department which attracts very able and committed people.

"The lights are burning late here as we make a series of changes to the way in which we do development."

The shadow minister for International Development ,Gareth Thomas, said Mr Mitchell needed "to explain how this fits within the wider agenda on child health - especially given that the majority of child deaths under the age of five tragically occur after the first month of life, a period which does not appear to be addressed by this consultation.

"After the dismal performance of the G8 earlier this year in Canada, when David Cameron signed up to a package which Oxfam described as 'lower than our lowest expectations', he also needs to tell us how he will actually convince other countries to step up to the mark at a critical UN Summit this September."

Men's Health

Losing Weight Before the Wedding

Sparkly_81 has lost 80 pounds in 13 months. In a discussion forum she says;

Last Jan I was feeling really down about being overweight. I was also was getting married and being a bridesmaid for my sister. I was really not confident at all about looking good and decided I had to do something about it. So I set about calorie counting and getting into fitness. 13 months later I have lost 80lbs. This takes me into the normal BMI range (I know; don't listen to BMI, but as a fat, relatively unactive woman it was probably quite accurate and psychologically this is a big milestone for me). I am working out regularly. I am pretty close to the point I can do a few pull-ups and I can run without killing myself.

She's had 130 people comment on her progress. See her workout and fitness details here.

Bay Leaves for Valentine's Day

Available from McFadden Farms

Valentine's Day is around the corner and thinking of it brings an old, old tradition to mind. The night before Valentine's Day, young women in Europe and Britain, placed a few bay leaves either under their pillows or in little red bags pinned to them. This was said to let them see,in their dreams, who their future husbands would be. The Victoria ladies also liked to chant “Good Valentine, be kind to me, in dreams let me my true love see", as they prepared their little bags.



Most of us have bay leaves (Laurus nobilis), also known as Turkish bay, bay laurel, or sweet bay, in our kitchens. They are well known for the wonderful flavour they impart when cooked in both savoury and sweet dishes. They are also known for their medicinal properties.



Bay leaves contain folate, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C and B6, calcium, manganese, iron and phyto-nutrients. Their oil contain cineole, linalool, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol acetate, mucilage, tannin, and resin. Bay leaves properties include being an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

  

Some of the health benefits bay leaves have due to their excellent properties are stimulating the appetite, aiding in the digestion and absorption of food, reducing flatulence, and treating upper digestive tract disorders. Bay leaves also help both externally and internally by easing arthritic aches and pains and as an aid in the treatment of bronchitis. Some find the tea to be useful in the treatment of migraines. A tea made from bay leaves can cure dandruff. Rub into the scalp and leave on for half an hour before rising. Do this regularly.



WARNING: Pregnant women should avoid eating in excess as they can cause menstruation.



In the kitchen bay leaves are known for their being an ingredient in a bouquet garni and in court bouillon. It should be noted for those growing their own tree that the fresh bay leaf is very mild and does not develop its full flavor and aroma until several weeks when it is fully dry. Bay leaves are generally crushed or ground before cooking. If cooking with whole leaves, remove before serving the food as they can cause choking or cut the tongue. Use in rice and vegetable dishes, sauces, pickling, puddings and as a tea.



A bay leaf tree in a pretty pot is a great present for both a male or female on Valentine's Day as it is a present that will live forever.

***********************

Thyme and Mushroom Gravy

By Celia Brooks Brown From BBC-Food 

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, sliced

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

1 bay leaf

50gms / 1-3/4ozs mushrooms, coarsely chopped

2 tbsp plain flour

125mls / 4-1/2fl ozs port or other fortified wine

250mls / 8-1/2fl ozs  vegetable stock

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the onion and fry until golden. Add the herbs and mushrooms and cook until softened (about five minutes). Sprinkle with the flour and cook, stirring, for about two minutes. Stir in the port or wine, vegetable stock and soy sauce and simmer, stirring, until the gravy has thickened slightly (3-5 minutes). Remove and discard the bay leaf. Pour the gravy into a jug and serve. Serves 4.

Turkish Pilaf

By Niki of Nikibone        

6 tbsps Vegan marg

1 cup rice

1-1/2 cups finely chopped onion

1/2 tsps salt

1 bay leaf, crumbled

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds

2 cups vegetable stock

Preheat the oven to 375F/190C. melt the margarine in a skillet. Stir in the rice and cook over low heat until all the grains glisten. Add the onion and cook, stirring until they are soft. Put the mixture into a 1.5 quart casserole. Add the salt, bay leaf, cinnamon, raisins and almonds. Heat the broth to a boil, mix with all the ingredients in the casserole, cover and bake for 45 minutes.

Spanish Green Beans and Tomatoes

By Jed at AllRecipes         

A traditional Spanish side dish~Jed

2 tbsps olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

2 lbs / 0.9kg fresh green beans, cut into 1" / 2cms lengths

3 cups canned diced tomatoes with their juice

1 tbsps chopped fresh chives

3 tbsps pine nuts

2 tbsps lemon juice

1 bay leaf

salt and pepper, to taste

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat if garlic begins to brown. Add green beans, then continue to cook and stir until bright green but not quite tender, about 4 minutes. Mix in tomatoes, lemon juice and pine nuts, and season with chives, bay leaf, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer gently uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove and discard bay leaf before serving   Serves 6

Coconut Payasam (Better than Rice Pudding!)

From the Go Dairy Free Newsletter - Recipe by Chef Jason of the Vegan Culinary Experience.

This is a nice accompaniment to a spicy dish as the coolness, starchiness, and sweetness of the dish will counteract the spicy course. Try serving this with a spicy cauliflower and tomato dish ~ Chef Jason

1/2 cup of long grain rice

1-1/2 cups of coconut milk

1-1/2 cups of almond milk

Option: Almond milk instead of coconut milk

1 tbsp of currants or raisins

1/2 tsp ground cardamom

2 bay leaves

4 tsp of slivered almonds

4 tsp of turbinado sugar

Option: 1/4 cup of broken vermicelli

Bring the coconut and almond milk to a boil. Add all of the ingredients and stir. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Cook this for about 18-20 minutes. Chill the dessert for about 30 minutes. Add more coconut milk as necessary once it is fully chilled. Option: Break the vermicelli, then toast it over a medium heat in a dry pan until it browns. Add it to the pot with the rest of the ingredients.

Presentation: Try serving this in a small glass. It’s the right size for a dessert and it showcases the color of the dessert. Leave a bay leaf in the glasses, too, as it looks exotic and provides a good color contrast. 4 servings.

Almost Hands-Free Dill Pickles

From RealSimple      

4 Kirby cucumbers (about 1 pound), quartered lengthwise

3/4 cup white wine vinegar

1/4 small sweet onion (such as Vidalia or Walla Walla), thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, smashed

2 tbsps sugar

1 tsp dill seed

1 tsp black peppercorns

1 bay leaf

kosher salt

Place the cucumbers in a 1 quart/0.95litre jar or some other container with a tight-fitting lid. In a bowl, combine the vinegar, onion, garlic, sugar, dill seed, peppercorns, bay leaf, 2 teaspoons salt, and ¾ cup hot tap water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Pour the vinegar mixture into the jar with the cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 day before serving. The pickles will last up to 1 week.Makes 16 spears

Herpes virus used to treat cancer

By Emma Wilkinson
Health reporter, BBC News
Doctors say they have used a genetically engineered herpes virus to treat successfully patients with head and neck cancer.

A London hospital trial of 17 patients found that use of the virus alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy helped kill the tumours in most patients.

It works by getting into cancer cells, killing them from the inside, and also boosting the patient's immune system.

The herpes virus causes cold sores

Further trials are planned for later in the year.

Head and neck cancer, which includes cancer of the mouth, tongue and throat, affects up to 8,000 people every year in the UK.

Study leader Dr Kevin Harrington, who is based at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said current treatments were effective if the cancer was picked up early but that many patients were not diagnosed until it was more advanced.

The herpes virus, which is also being tested in patients with skin cancer, is genetically manipulated so that it grows inside tumour cells but cannot infect normal healthy cells.

Once there it has a triple effect - it multiplies, killing tumour cells as it does so, it is engineered to produce a human protein that activates the immune system and it also makes a viral protein that acts as a red flag to immune cells.

'Potential weapon'

In the 17 patients injected with the virus, in addition to their standard treatment, at the Royal Marsden Hospital, 93% showed no trace of cancer after their tumour had been surgically removed.

More than two years later, 82% of patients had not succumbed to the disease.

Only two of 13 patients given the virus treatment at a high dose relapsed, the journal Clinical Cancer Research reported.

There were no safety concerns with use of the virus, the researchers said, and it is hoped the virus could one day be used to fight other types of cancer.

"Around 35 to 55% of patients given the standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment typically relapse within two years, so these results compare very favourably," said Dr Harrington.

He is now planning a trial comparing the viral treatment with the standard treatment in people newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Dr Alison Ross, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said it would be some time before the treatment could be used in patients as it still needed to be tested directly against standard treatment.

But she added: "This small study highlights the potential of using genetically modified viruses as a weapon to fight cancer."

Healthy blood, Blood disorders

Herpes virus used to treat cancer

By Emma Wilkinson
Health reporter, BBC News
Doctors say they have used a genetically engineered herpes virus to treat successfully patients with head and neck cancer.

A London hospital trial of 17 patients found that use of the virus alongside chemotherapy and radiotherapy helped kill the tumours in most patients.

It works by getting into cancer cells, killing them from the inside, and also boosting the patient's immune system.

The herpes virus causes cold sores

Further trials are planned for later in the year.

Head and neck cancer, which includes cancer of the mouth, tongue and throat, affects up to 8,000 people every year in the UK.

Study leader Dr Kevin Harrington, who is based at the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said current treatments were effective if the cancer was picked up early but that many patients were not diagnosed until it was more advanced.

The herpes virus, which is also being tested in patients with skin cancer, is genetically manipulated so that it grows inside tumour cells but cannot infect normal healthy cells.

Once there it has a triple effect - it multiplies, killing tumour cells as it does so, it is engineered to produce a human protein that activates the immune system and it also makes a viral protein that acts as a red flag to immune cells.

'Potential weapon'

In the 17 patients injected with the virus, in addition to their standard treatment, at the Royal Marsden Hospital, 93% showed no trace of cancer after their tumour had been surgically removed.

More than two years later, 82% of patients had not succumbed to the disease.

Only two of 13 patients given the virus treatment at a high dose relapsed, the journal Clinical Cancer Research reported.

There were no safety concerns with use of the virus, the researchers said, and it is hoped the virus could one day be used to fight other types of cancer.

"Around 35 to 55% of patients given the standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment typically relapse within two years, so these results compare very favourably," said Dr Harrington.

He is now planning a trial comparing the viral treatment with the standard treatment in people newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

Dr Alison Ross, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said it would be some time before the treatment could be used in patients as it still needed to be tested directly against standard treatment.

But she added: "This small study highlights the potential of using genetically modified viruses as a weapon to fight cancer."

Healthy blood, Blood disorders