(November 9 , 2007 - Insidermedicine) From Orlando - There is a promising vaccine in the pipeline for smokers. Research has shown that 1 year after getting the vaccine 16% of people had quit smoking, as compared to 6% who received placebo. The vaccine is an antibody that binds to nicotine forming a complex that is too large to cross the blood-brain barrier, thus preventing the stimulation of brain cells.

From Washington - One of Walmart's top Christmas toys - Aqua Dots - is being recalled due to contamination with a chemical that converts into the date rape drug GHB. Many children worldwide are getting sick from ingesting these Chinese-made toys, exhibiting symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, seizures and loss of consciousness. If you own Aqua Dots, also called Bindeez Beans, you should throw them away. 

From Oxford - Using an oral contraceptive raises the risk for cervical cancer. An analysis of 24 studies showed a 2 fold higher risk in those who used the pill for over 5 years. Those who stopped use for more than 10 years had no higher risk than those who had never used oral contraceptives.

And finally, back to Orlando - Which of these popular diets is the most heart friendly: Ornish, South Beach or Atkins? The 3 diets vary by amounts of fat - Atkins has 50%, South Beach has 30% and the Ornish diet has 10%. The answer? The Ornish and South Beach diets lowered LDL cholesterol by 10%, while the high-fat Atkins diet raised it by 7%.

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