(August 14, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Massachusetts - According to research in the journal Cell, scientists have found a compound that can kill breast cancer stem cells. Researchers tested 'master' cancer stem cells - which are thought to be responsible for disease recurrence - against 16,000 compounds. The chemical 'salinomycin' was 100 times more effective at killing these stem cells than Taxol, a drug currently used in chemotherapy.

From San Francisco - According to research in the journal Science, a genetic mutation may cause some people to require less sleep. Scientists analysed over 200 blood samples and discovered two genetic abnormalities that affected circadian rhythm. These samples belonged to a mother and daughter who functioned normally on only 6 hours of sleep each night. This study is the first to connect human sleep patterns to genetics.

And finally, from Italy - According to research in The Lancet, current blood pressure targets may be too high. In a study of over 1,100 patients, researchers found that lowering systolic blood pressure targets to 130 mm Hg or less decreased the risk of an enlarged heart, without increasing side effects. The current target for systolic blood pressure is 140 mm Hg.

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