Dr. Susan Sharma: This is insidermedicine in 60. From Massachusetts, according to research in the journal Blood, a team of scientists with the biotech company Advanced Cell Technology have developed red blood cells from embryonic stem cells. The blood cells appeared capable of carrying oxygen and delivering it to tissues correctly. While funding for embryonic stem cell research is limited in the United States, the researchers hope that these findings may one day make blood drives unnecessary.
From Boston, according to research presented to the American Psychological Association, taking antidepressants while highly depressed can impair the ability to drive. In a study of 60 people who participated in a driving simulation, those taking antidepressants who considered themselves highly depressed exhibited poor concentration and reduced reaction time. The researchers noted that many medications include warnings about operating machinery and driving.
And finally, from Washington, according to a report by the nonprofit group Trust for America's Health, obesity rates have risen in 37 states in the last year. The report also notes that obesity rates have not fallen in a single state despite public service campaigns warning about the health risks of obesity. The report recommends that, because the obesity epidemic is lowering productivity and increasing health care costs, combating obesity must become a national priority. For Insidermedicine in 60, I am Dr. Susan Sharma.
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