Circumcised men still at risk of STDs
Although there is 'compelling evidence' that circumcision protects men from contracting the human immunodeficiency virus through sex with women, it doesn't seem to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), say New Zealand researchers who examined three decades' worth of data from almost 500 men. There was no statistically significant difference between those who'd been circumcised and those who hadn't for a range of STDs such as genital warts, chlamydia and herpes, Reuters reports.
Honouring the roots of a little blue pill
Viagra, the first oral treatment for impotence, which was accidentally discovered during research into blood pressure, is 10 years old. The researchers knew they were onto something when they found people involved in the study 'didn't want to give the medication back because of the side effect of having erections that were harder, firmer and lasted longer', says Brian Klee, senior medical director at Pfizer Laboratories. An estimated 35 million men have used the drug since it was approved for sale on March 27, 1998, AFP reports.
Milestone in diagnostic tests
US researchers have now mapped all 1,116 unique proteins in human saliva, which they say may lead to saliva-based diagnostic tests replacing the need for blood samples. The University of Rochester researchers hope saliva-based tests may eventually be used to diagnose the likes of cancer, heart disease and diabetes, Reuters reports. There are already saliva-based tests for HIV and hepatitis.