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| Updated: 3/29/2012 9:34 pm |
Published: 3/29/2012 3:57 pm |
The federal government says more children are being diagnosed with autism in the United States. The CDC now estimates 1 in 88 children has autism or a related disorder.
Previously that number was one in 110.
The reason for the change: doctors are getting better at recognizing autism cases earlier through screening tests. However, doctors still aren't close to discovering what causes autism.
Merck says Gardasil can help those already infected
The makers of the vaccine against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) say their drug could have benefits for women who are already infected.
A study funded by Merck Pharmaceuticals found Gardasil could reduce the recurrence of HPV-related diseases by 46-percent.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
The CDC recommends all 11 and 12-year-old girls get the vaccine.
Chocolate and weight loss
A new study at the University of California, San Diego found people who eat chocolate on a regular basis have a lower body mass index, or BMI.
The lower BMI group did not eat fewer calories or exercise more than their heavier people.
It seems something in chocolate increases your metabolism and may offset the calories consumed.
Despite the sweet news, the head researcher warns that doesn't mean any of us should over do it with the chocolate.
