Medi watch

Pap smear test may be replaced

The traditional pap smear test for cervical cancer may be replaced within years by one that is almost twice as accurate and doesn't have to be performed as often, say researchers who conducted the first study of the new method in North America. 'We've had the Pap test for over 50 years and it's high time it was replaced by technology that's more robust,' says team leader Eduardo Franco, of McGill University in Montreal. The human papilloma virus (HPV) test correctly detected 95 per cent of cancerous cells, compared with 55 per cent for the Pap, AP reports.

Warning on herbal remedies

Hong Kong Hospital Authority researchers have warned that many so-called herbal remedies sold over the counter for erectile dysfunction contain untested variants or analogues of impotence drugs and can have unpredictable, adverse effects. The use of analogues in what are marketed as health products is 'alarmingly high', researchers say.

Acupuncture 'eases surgical pain'

Acupuncture before and during surgery can significantly reduce a patient's need for painkillers, say Duke University researchers who analysed the results of 15 clinical trials. Potent painkillers such as morphine produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and itchiness in as many as eight out of 10 patients, healthday.com reports. Team leader and anaesthesiologist Tong Gan says so-called adjunctive acupuncture is the most effective, but the practitioner needs to 'know every acupuncture point'.

Running on the cheap

Expensive running shoes are not only likely to be no more effective than cheaper shoes at reducing injury to your feet, they may even be worse. Tests by researchers from Ninewells Hospital and Medical School in Dundee, Scotland, of three different brands, ranging in price from about US$55 to US$105 found the cheaper shoes 'not only provide as much protection from impact forces as expensive running shoes, but may provide more', AFP reports.