(April 27, 2009 - Insidermedicine) From Toronto - According to a panel of researchers, smoking causes breast cancer. In a review of several studies, researchers found that long-term smokers with a genotype found in half of North American women had a 35% to 50% increased risk for breast cancer. Furthermore, non-smokers who were regularly exposed to secondhand smoke had up to a 70% increased risk compared to those who were not exposed.

From San Diego - According to research in the Journal of Translational Medicine, adult stem cell infusions may help treat those with multiple sclerosis. In a study of 3 patients with the condition, researchers found that those who received infusions of mesenchymal stem cells, taken from their own fat tissue, saw improvements in their condition. Further research is required to confirm these findings.

And finally, from Washington - The U.S. government has declared a public health emergency as a precautionary measure against the swine flu outbreak. In less than a week the outbreak has increased from 2 cases to 20 in the United States, and in Mexico the death toll has climbed to over 100. Those infected with the virus initially experience flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat and shortness of breath.

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