(September 14, 2009 - Insidermedicine)

From Washington – Scientists have discovered that Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can be found in public beaches and ocean waters, according to a report presented at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. Researchers found Staph bacteria on 9 of the 10 beaches that they studied in Puget Sound; over 50% of these samples were multidrug resistant. This study suggests that public beaches may be a source for transmission of MRSA.  

From Australia – According to a report published in the journal Hepatology, aerobic exercise lowers the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers studied 19 obese adults with sedentary lifestyles for four weeks. They found that regular cycling exercise resulted in 21% reduction of hepatic triglyceride concentration and a 12% reduction in visceral adipose tissue volume. These reductions occurred even if the participant did not lose any weight.  

And finally, from Washington – The FDA has approved the use of OVA1, a blood test used to discern between ovarian tumors and benign pelvic masses. The test, to be available later this year, showed a sensitivity of 85% to 96% in finding malignant masses. This test should help prevent otherwise unnecessary exploratory surgery.