(November 14, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Alaska - According to research in the American Journal of Public Health, higher taxes on alcohol could save lives. Researchers examined nearly 30 years of data and found that, whenever Alaska raised its alcohol tax there was a decline in alcohol-related deaths. When the alcohol tax was raised in 1983, alcohol-related deaths dropped by 29%. When the tax was raised again in 2002, there was another 11% reduction in the death rate.

From Hong Kong - According to research in the journal Human Reproduction, placebo acupuncture may be more effective than actual acupuncture for women undergoing in vitro fertilization. In a study of 370 women, researchers found that the pregnancy rate among those receiving placebo acupuncture was 55%, compared to 44% among those who received actual acupuncture. The researchers are unsure whether placebo acupuncture is similar to acupressure and improves the pregnancy rate, or if actual acupuncture reduces the pregnancy rate.

And finally, from New Orleans - According to research presented to the American Heart Association, exercise can improve quality of life among heart failure patients. In a study of over 2,300 patients, researchers found that those who exercised at least 3 times a week reported a higher quality of life than those who did not exercise. This improvement was achieved in as little as 3 months, and was sustained over 3 years.

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