Health Research: Simple score predicts risk of death for middle-aged adults ♦ Two new groups of viruses discovered ♦ Research points to future test for ALS

FDA addresses concerns on approval of drugs to treat chronic hepatitis C Treatment options for chronic hepatitis C, a serious and life-threatening infection, have improved substantially and several new regimens with shorter durations and improved efficacy and safety profiles are now available

CT angiography links arterial plaque with diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol Non-calcified arterial plaque is associated with diabetes, high systolic blood pressure and elevated 'bad' cholesterol levels in asymptomatic individuals. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in men and women worldwide, accounting for 17 million deaths annually

Two new groups of viruses discovered Two new groups of viruses have been discovered within the Bunyavirus family in the tropical forest of Ivory Coast. Previously only five groups responsible for serious illnesses in humans and animals were known. Most are spread through blood-feeding insects. Based on the discovered viruses researchers conclude that the ancestor to all bunyaviruses must have existed in arthropods such as insects.

Simple score predicts risk of death for middle-aged adults in the UK A simple score test can predict the risk of death for middle-aged adults, a British study suggests. Information for the test can be obtained by questionnaires without the need for physical examination

Research points to future test for ALS Researchers have uncovered new insights on the genetic causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. These findings could uncover a new way to detect a genetic predisposition to ALS before the disease strikes

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