The Rise Of Drug-Resistant TB & The Hair-Loss Gene

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7:00am Segment Info:
Unless you're a doctor you probably don't think much about tuberculosis. But a new report says drug resistant TB is at an all time high.

According the world health organization a survey of over 90,000 TB patients in 81 countries found that levels of multi-drug resistant TB were far higher then expected. The survey also found cases of extensively drug resistant TB, which is basically untreatable.

With this form of TB patients don't respond to the standard 6-month treatment and have to take more expensive and more toxic drugs for up to two years.

How widespread is this problem?

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The untreatable TB is now in about 45 countries. It's especially bad in the former Soviet Union where almost a quarter of all new TB cases are multi drug resistant. But what's more concerning is that in poorer countries the numbers may actually be higher because they don't have the tools to identify the disease. To give you an idea of how bad this problem is there were nine million new cases in 2006. One point seven million people died.

In other news, two new discoveries could lead to new treatments for hair loss.

That's right, hair loss or how about getting rid of unwanted hair.

Two studies involved a specific gene called P-2-R-Y-5 that's linked to hair. Researchers say changes in that gene can cause hereditary hair loss. And other mutations can change the texture of hair. Making it more wooly or coarse. Experts say manipulating this gene could lead to treatments to get rid of excessive hair or as an alternative to hair straightening or perms.

8:00am Segment Info:
1. Janet, New York, New York asks: Do diapers expire? I've saved my son's unused diapers for our next kid. Will using the old diapers harm my second child?

Janet, I think the idea of diapers having an expiration date began when companies offered points or coupons for diapers, which had an expiration date. In general, paper products don't have an expiration date. As long as they're stored in a cool dry environment they should be ok. A color change over time is expected and should not affect performance.

2. Lawrence, Amityville, NY asks: How many times a day can you eat cheese?

Lawrence, according to the food pyramid cheese is part of the milk group and you should only have two to three servings a day. Remember cheese is high in fat so watch the serving size. Each serving should be only one and a half ounces.

3. Antonio from Brooklyn asks: What is a good cure for broken bones?

Antonio, I guess what you mean is what's the best way to prevent broken bones because you cure broken bones with immobilization like a cast. The best way to keep your bones healthy is to eat a well balanced diet. Get about 1200 milligrams of calcium a day and at least 800 international units of vitamin d a day and never underestimate the importance of exercise, it helps build strong bones.