(January 7, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Boston - According to research in the journal Cell Metabolism, the failed anti-obesity drug leptin may be useful after all. In a previous study, leptin did not produce the desired outcome in obese patients, who developed a resistance to its effects. However, in a new study of mice, researchers have found that using drugs that re-sensitize the brain to leptin allows for significant weight loss, and has renewed hopes of using leptin as a natural treatment for obesity.

From Kentucky - According to a study in Clinical Cancer Research, grape seed extract may have benefits for the treatment of leukemia. Researchers have found that grape seed extract can cause leukemia cell death by activating certain proteins involved in apoptosis. In the study, the researchers discovered that a 10 mcg/mL dose of extract moderately increased leukemia cell death, while a 25 mcg/mL dose increased cell death extensively. The extract had no effect on healthy cells.

And finally, from Montréal - According to research in the journal Development and Psychopathology, children of pregnant smokers are more likely to be aggressive. In a study of over 1,700 children, researchers found that the children of mothers who smoked at least 10 cigarettes a day had a 30% increased risk of high physical aggression than the children of women who did not smoke during pregnancy. It is estimated that about 25% of women in Québec still smoke during pregnancy.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.