A.M. Vitals: Stem-Cell Experiment May Suggest Future Fertility Treatments

By Katherine Hobson

Stem-Cell Discovery: Research published in Nature Medicine suggests a way to take stem cells from a woman’s ovary and convert them into normal immature eggs that appear to be viable, the WSJ reports. While scientists say the development, if borne out, offers a potential research avenue for fertility treatments, they also caution that many obstacles remain.

Video-Game Study: Research published in Pediatrics suggests those “active” video games aren’t necessarily giving kids a lot more exercise than traditional games for sofa-sitters, Reuters reports. While the active games may slightly increase caloric burn for kids, they aren’t likely going to help them meet their daily recommended 60 minutes of activity, an outside researcher tells Reuters.

Medicaid Cuts: Washington state’s plan to cut off Medicaid payment for certain non-urgent medical services when delivered in an emergency room is riling providers, the WSJ reports. The move aims to reduce health-care costs by diverting patients to more appropriate venues for care, but physicians and hospitals say some of the procedures and tests are necessary to rule out emergency problems and that they will end up stuck with the bill, the paper says.

Trying to Treat Cachexia: Two experimental drugs to treat cachexia, the weight loss and muscle-wasting that often accompany cancer, are in late-stage clinical trials and if all goes well, could be available in two to three years, the Los Angeles Times reports. A researcher not affiliated with either of the companies developing the drugs says the hope is that the drugs will not only help cancer patients have more strength to fight their disease, but will also prolong life.

Image: iStockphoto

Read this article:
A.M. Vitals: Stem-Cell Experiment May Suggest Future Fertility Treatments